Motherboard Books ~ Review
We were recently given the opportunity to review Let's Make a Web Page by Motherboard Books. This 60-page PDF ebook ($19.95) is written for ages 8 to 10 by Phyllis Wheeler, a mechanical engineer and veteran homeschool mom!
I decided to do this myself because our computer has been having some issues lately (it is time for a new one) and this review does involve downloading a 30 day free trial version of CoffeeCup Software. This software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and later (not Mac).
First I downloaded the ebook to my iPad Adobe Reader app so that I could follow along the step-by-step instructions while working on the computer.
Unfortunately, I did get a little stuck within the first two chapters because there seemed to be a step missing. I read & re-read both chapters trying to find the step that I was missing, I finally was able to improvise my way through to the next chapter.
Through out the ebook, you will be given instructions on how to add text, photos, images, links, and even animation & sound to your webpage. Also included are links to other websites that will help create your webpage, the author recommends to turn on SafeSearch before allowing your child to surf the WWW. You will find helpful hints about properly using images from the internet, so that you don't steal anyone's property by posting their photo on your website without permission.
Below is a screen shot of my work through the first couple of chapters. Except for getting stuck in the first couple of chapters, the instructions are easy to follow. You could easily do this project in a just a few days (or hours for older students).
Like I said before, our computer has been having some issues lately and unfortunately I could not complete the project because the end result is posting your work as your home page to either Firefox or Internet Explorer, neither of which will function on this finicky computer of ours. And, as much as I really wanted to see the end result, since I am not as computer-savvy as I would like to be I didn't even begin to try to figure out how to post it to Chrome.
For me, the price of the ebook is a little steep considering once your 30 day free trial of the CoffeeCup software expires, you won't be able use it anymore unless you purchase the CoffeeCup software, which is $49.00.
Unfortunately, I did get a little stuck within the first two chapters because there seemed to be a step missing. I read & re-read both chapters trying to find the step that I was missing, I finally was able to improvise my way through to the next chapter.
